Betel nut sellers must return to markets

BETEL nut selling in public places such as bus stops, shop and office fronts, and at undesignated markets are "illegal' and vendors must immediately return to markets to continue their sales.

City Manager Leslie Alu said this at the launch of Operation Klinim Mosbi (Operation Cleaning Moresby) - a campaign aimed at removing public spaces of vendors and hawkers.

Although the betel nut ban in Port Moresby has been lifted, the City Manager said all vendors including betel nut sellers must return to their proper markets to sell their food and items.

The designated city markets for betel nuts are Waikele, Koki, 6 Mile and Gerehu.

Restricting betel nut sellers at specific markets would mean betel nut users would have to visit these places to buy in bulk, meaning they would become more responsible for the management of betel nut waste including the red spittle that always defaces public areas and amenities.

Many vendors have long ago moved away from the markets to try to bring their produce closer to customers with the combination of vendors/customers in uncontrolled areas proving a headache for the city authority because of the resulting waste coming from betel nut sales.

NCDC Waste Management has recently revealed that most of the public areas waste being produced in Port Moresby is coming from betel nuts.

The campaign to rid the city roads and streets, public spaces and office fronts of vending and selling is ongoing. All vendors have been asked to return to markets or face penalties including spot fines and community service.